Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, submitted his letter of resignation last Friday. He was first elected in 2014, and has two years left in a third and final term that would have expired in 2026.

“I am grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to serve the people of Senate District 8 for the last 10 years,” Thompson wrote in a brief resignation letter addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat (R-OKC). His resignation is effective Nov. 1.

Six weeks ago, Sen. Thompson was suddenly removed as chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committee.

Under state law, Gov. Kevin Stitt will set a special election schedule to fill Senate District 8, which spans east and west around Okmulgee County, covering the communities of Okmulgee, Henryetta, Okemah, Eufaula and Checotah.

Treat released the following statement:

“Senator Roger Thompson has been a wonderful friend and great partner in the Senate over the last 10 years,” Pro Tem Treat said. “His faithful stewardship of the budget the past several years has led to record savings and record investments in education, behavioral health and infrastructure. Sen. Thompson has also helped navigate the Legislature through many difficult times, especially through the ARPA process.  His work on developing the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency as co-chair has been instrumental in the successful outcomes we have seen come out of this office. Senator Thompson has a servant’s heart through and through. Even before coming to the Senate, he served in numerous roles in his community, including as a pastor for his local ministry and as a missionary in overseas outreach.

“Senator Thompson has served his state well and while I look forward to continuing our friendship moving forward, the Senate is losing a valued member of our family. I wish him and his wife, Pamela, well on whatever is in store next for them.”

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, released the following statement about Sen. Thompson

“First, I’d like to thank Senator Roger Thompson for serving Senate District 8 so well over the past 10 years. His hard work and effort, especially in continuing the legacy of my father-in-law, have been invaluable. Sen. Thompson, thank you for carrying on the important work in Senate District 8. I wish you and your wife, Pamela, the best in your future endeavors.”

Born in Oklahoma City, Thompson lived in Okmulgee County, and graduated from Muskogee High School.  He later graduated from the Preston Road School of Preaching in Texas, then attended Southwestern Bible College and Seminary where he received his master’s and a doctorate in theology.

Even before coming to the Oklahoma Senate, Thompson had long been involved in public service through a variety of organizations.  He was a lay member of the Professional Responsibility Commission of the Oklahoma Bar Association and served on the Okfuskee County Election Board as well as the Okfuskee County Excise Board.  He’s a past president of the Okemah Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, the Oklahoma Lions Club, and the Rock Creek Youth Camp in Norman, Oklahoma.  Thompson also served as board president and CEO for Good News International Foundation, where he was recognized for partnering with the Secretary of Religion and Science in Ukraine.  He also operated a publishing and benevolent outreach in Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union.  During that period, he also served as an advisory member of Global Christian University.

In 2022, Senator Thompson was named as one of the 55 most influential Oklahomans over the age of 55. The 55 Over 55 award is the creation of Donald B. Swift, founder of ion Oklahoma Magazine, featuring Oklahomans who do not believe their best years are behind them and are leading the way and involved in projects that are creating a better future for the state and its citizens.

Thompson is president of the News Leader Company, Inc., which owns and publishes the Okemah News Leader.  His wife, Pamela, owns Pamela’s Flowers and Okemah Office Supply.  He’s currently vice-president of the Okemah Community Improvement Association and serves as Economic Development Consultant for Businesses and Municipalities.

The Thompsons have been married since 1976 and are the parents of two children. They are members of New Beginnings Church in Bristow.